Hardware, operating system and virtualization

A set of flashcards created to assist students in reviewing key concepts related to Systems Administration and Maintenance as covered in their lecture notes.

What are the major types of systems that a System Administrator works with?

Desktops, Laptops, Mobile Devices, Servers, and Appliances.

What are the characteristics of a Desktop computer?

Designed to sit on a desk with separate pieces for each major component, connected via cables or wirelessly.

What defines a Laptop computer?

Portability in design, with major components bundled together, capable of running on battery power but needs periodic charging.

What is the primary use of Mobile Devices?

Originally designed for entertainment, but increasingly used in business settings, relying on apps instead of full software.

What is a Server in the context of information systems?

A system that provides functionality to clients and can serve multiple clients while being served by multiple servers.

What are Appliances in computer systems?

Purpose-built computer systems with integrated software or firmware designed to perform specific duties.

What is the function of a Motherboard in a computer system?

It provides the basic foundation for all hardware, including the processor, memory, firmware, and expansion cards.

What is the role of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

Responsible for interpreting and executing commands within a computer.

What does RAM stand for, and what is its function?

Random Access Memory; it serves as temporary storage for quick access to frequently used data.

What is the distinction between HDD and SSD?

HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is a traditional storage method, while SSD (Solid State Drive) is faster and has no moving parts.

What does an Operating System (OS) do?

Enables an information system to function, manages hardware and software communication, and controls peripherals.

Name three major client operating systems.

Windows, MacOS, Linux.

What is the Boot process in an information system?

The sequence of operations that occurs when a system is powered on which leads to loading of the operating system.

What is BIOS?

Basic Input/Output System; a ROM chip on the motherboard that controls communication between the OS and hardware.

What is UEFI and how does it differ from BIOS?

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface; a modern version of BIOS that addresses security issues and supports larger boot drives.

What are common security features of BIOS/UEFI?

Passwords, drive encryption, anti-theft features like LoJack, TPM for hardware security, and Secure Boot.

What does Access Control refer to?

The authentication and authorization of individuals to access systems and data.

Name the four main components of Access Control:

Identification, Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting.

What is the difference between Administrative and Technical Access Controls?

Administrative Access Controls are set by management, while Technical Access Controls are set by technical staff.

What is an example of a technical access control?

Passwords, PINs, Smart Cards, Biometrics, Access Control List.

What are the different forms of Access Control?

Separate Ecosystem, Discretionary Access Control (DAC), Mandatory Access Control (MAC), Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC).

What is the definition of Virtualization?

The process that allows multiple virtual devices to run from a single physical device, sharing computing resources.

What is a Hypervisor?

Software that keeps virtual devices logically separated and manages shared device resources.

What is Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)?

A technology that separates desktop environments and application software from physical client devices.

What is the process of Network Virtualization?

Combining hardware and software network resources into a single, software-based administrative entity.

What does Application Containerization do?

It allows virtualization of just an application and its components without needing an entire virtual machine.